Friday, October 06, 2006

The Federal Bureau of Integration

FBI agents are carrying out investigations in Canada without the approval of the Canadian government.Yeah, I know - quel surprise.

But there's an interesting bit of vid up on CBC about it here : Video - Evan Dyer.I know you hate the clicky/linky thing so here's the gist of it.

RCMP Commissioner Zaccardelli assured Canadians that no effort would be spared to avoid a repetition of the Arar debacle, and he has since put in place procedures that centralize and properly vet "paper documentation" going to U.S. authorities.However Evan Dyer reports that this means doodly because members of the FBI are in fact physically present at those very meetings of the Canadian Integrated National Security & Enforcement Teams where ongoing cases are discussed. Ongoing, as in unproven.INSET handled the intel on Arar and the Toronto 17.

Dyer further points out that this is particularly troubling given the recent passage of the U.S. Military Commissions Bill, which allows the U.S. to prosecute foreigners, including Canadians, on hearsay evidence.

I'm guessing despite Zac's concern about vetting "paper documentation", the FBI will probably manage to take its own notes at those meetings.

"When asked about the report during question period, Day said Canadian security forces work with Canada's allies, including the U.S, and have agreements in terms of information sharing."

Shorter Day : It's ok if the FBI doesn't ask our permission first because we already said they don't have to.

Shorter me : Isn't this where we came in? Stockwell Day has Stockholm Syndrome.

I can't help but think that this is an issue where people who hate the Conservatives will jump all over it as a violation of our territorial sovereignty, our national dignity, or whatever else.

What, in your opinion, are the negative consequences of having FBI agents in Canada, fully abiding by our laws, but snooping around a bit?

Do you have reports of people being harassed or detained or assaulted or arrested or looked at funny by FBI agents?

Maybe you do, but if not, what is your practical gripe? You're not a Bush-style "afraid of what could happen" even though there's no reason to believe that it actually will happen type of person, are you?